Many Gulf Coast auto dealerships have been reaping the benefits of the federal CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program since its debut July 24.
But some say the government should have done a better job preparing them for the highly successful incentive package.

Anchorage car buyers have joined the mad rush to get a piece of the federal Cash for Clunkers trade-in deal before the money disappears, and dealers, scrambling to keep up with demand, are wondering when the plug will be pulled on this boon to sales.
Customers wait in lines. Salesmen spend hours trying to file applications onto an overwhelmed federal Web site. And around Anchorage, new-car dealerships look more and more like empty parking lots. Corollas, PT Cruisers, Jettas -- popular models are selling out.

Carolyn Geise's search for the perfect new car in trade for her clunker started in the Seattle but came to a successful end at Northwest Honda in Bellingham.
Geise and her husband, Bill Jobe, were on the lookout for a Honda Element, but they couldn't find the right color and a navigation system they wanted at any dealer in Seattle. After checking around, they heard there might be one in Bellingham.
By 9:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3 they were at the dealership, going through all the paperwork to take advantage of the government's "cash for clunkers" car program.

Some Treasure Valley car dealers say the funding shortage in the government's Cash for Clunkers program has left them hesitant to promise buyers theyll get the government-paid discount.
People want our product, and we dont know whether or not to sell it to them, said Grant Petersen Jr., president and CEO of Bronco Motors.
The program has been popular, said Petersen and Bill Robertson, general manager at Meridian Ford. Some days, and some hours, business has been overwhelming, Petersen said.

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